I disagree. See attached screenshots. Stage 1 includes a new mall between David Jones and where best and less is now and a reduction in size of big w but remaining in current location. Stage 2 includes demolition of this area and rebuilding it to include additional mini majors and complete move of big w.

They wouldn't build a new structure and then demolish it and rebuild it within 3 years.

Looking at those screen shots, it looks as if its simply the layout on the new extension changing when Stage 2 is constructed. Remove a few internal walls and change the internal layout, but the core structure remains untouched.

If the upper car park deck is remaining then most of the 'new' structure is in fact already there. Rip up the bitumen, pour a slab, build a few walls and your mall extension is practically done. Building the new multi story car park and reconfiguring the layout of the carpark is arguably a larger job.

"All we are is bags of bones pushing against a self imposed tide. Just be content with staying alive"

Views and opinions expressed are my own and don't necessarily reflect the views or opinions of any organisation of which I have an affiliation

A $230 million plan to expand Westfield Marion – which will include the introduction of paid parking – has been green lit by the state planning authority.

The State Commission Assessment Panel has approved plans by Scentre Group to build another 52 speciality shops and 20 eateries at the Oaklands Park shopping centre.

A new mall on the complex’s ground floor and a four-level carpark facing Diagonal Rd will be constructed as part of the upgrade.

Paid parking will be introduced, with shoppers given three hours free before having to pay.

The centre will use a ticketless system that uses numberplate recognition, with boomgates installed at all exits.

Customers who overstay the free parking time limit will be able to pay as they leave.

Nearly 300 carparks will be lost to make way for the development, with the number of parking spaces dropping to 4956.

Eight significant trees will also get the chop.

The panel approved the plan on the condition that further details relating to stormwater and waste management were provided.

Scentre Group's proposed $230 million expansion of Marion’s Westfield Shopping Centre.
The shopping centre – which is already the biggest mall in South Australia and attracts 14 million visitors each year – will grow its footprint from 135,300sq m to 152,200sq m.

Marion Mayor Kris Hanna said the council supported the expansion but was concerned about a loss of parking spaces.

He said the expansion would bring extra life and jobs to the area, however, he warned there would be “community tension” if shoppers parked in nearby suburban streets.

Scentre Group development and asset management director Stewart White said more than 90 per cent of customers did not stay longer than three hours.

“Parking will be free for customers who park for less than three hours and for those who have a valid disabled parking permit,” Mr White said.

“As part of this exciting new chapter for Westfield Marion, we are looking forward to delivering an improved specialty fashion, dining and entertainment offer for our customers in Adelaide.

“The first stage of the redevelopment will include a number of sought-after new fashion brands and 24 new specialty retailers along with the next evolution in vibrant dining, entertainment and leisure experiences.”

Agreed. Why would the developers choose to reduce total parking in the process of building a four-level carpark. I would have thought that proposing eight levels with a modest increase in total parking would be appropriate for a development that is intended to increase the number of customers and staff.

What’s the timeframe on this actually happening? Any estimates?
I currently work in a store that is set for demo as the plan stands at the moment so it’ll be interesting to see what happens to the stores if they relocate to a different part of the mall!